Social Question

What role does a towering mountain play on the psyche of a locale?

There are many cities that sit in the shadow of a great mountain(s). I have visited some of them. There is always a very different feeling about these places. Maybe it is the effect that the mountain actually physically has on the weather. Maybe it is that you can quickly orient with the mountain(s) on the horizon.

I was thinking there was something else. Maybe a psychological effect that such a landmark might play. Could there be some unifying going on, or something else?

If the mountain is a volcano, I imagine there is an element of fear. Here, I am really speaking about mountains that are not something full of doom and gloom. Sorry, Seattle.

I was always uplifted by the sight of the mountains, especially Mt. Rainier.

One thing mountains do is keep people problems in perspective. First, they are really large so your problems look smaller by comparison. Second, they are so unchanging, they give us hope that we can weather anything too.

Living in the mountains always gave me a sense of true perspective. The mountains reminded me that there were larger things than myself, things made my nature and not man. Also- it’s spooky as hell at night. Most people who aren’t spooked in the dark haven’t been in a forest on a new moon.

I’ve wondered the same thing. A mountain close by must feel like a major presence. Surely it plays a role in the identity of the residents.

I thought a lot about a similar question when I visited France a few years ago. It must affect a person’s sense of relationship to place and to history to live among hillsides dotted with castles and chateaux. On market day in St. Céré, I noted the juxtaposition of ancient and modern in this shot. It occurred to me that probably not a single resident saw what I saw in this scene; I’m sure that to them it was just the way their town is.

I actually had this conversation with friends a week or two ago. The upshot was that (vs. say flat Texas) mountains give the horizon visual perspective (duh), but subconsciously – or not – you have a more purposeful and identifiable sense of place, and a better perceived quality of life via aesthetic normative judgment.

In my opinion, any unusual or note worthy feature will have significance to the residents. The mountain majesties, the amber waves of grain, the fruited plains, the mighty rivers, the splendid canyons, the alabaster cities, the unspoiled wilderness; all are cause for celebration.